Larry Dell Shackelford

1947 - 2025

Larry Dell Shackelford

May 9, 1947 - January 28, 2025

Glen Rose, Texas - Larry "Shack" Shackelford, age 77, passed away on January 28, 2025, at the family farm in Glen Rose, Texas. A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held at his favorite spot on the family farm on Saturday, February 8. Larry will be remembered with a smile by all who knew and loved him. Born and raised in Tarrant County, Larry's deep connection to Fort Worth was fostered in his childhood by his loving parents, which only strengthened during his time at Paschal High School (Class of 1965) and Texas Christian University (Class of 1970). Early in his career, Larry worked alongside his father at Binyon-O'Keefe Moving and Storage in Downtown Fort Worth. Then, he had a decades-long partnership with Dynamold Inc., providing solutions to the aerospace industry. Larry's gift to everyone he met was his ability to make them feel loved. He had a unique way of making people want to be better individuals simply by being around him. Larry always put others before himself. He led by example through humility, generosity, and an ever-present willingness to help anyone around him. Larry's greatest gift to his sons was being genuinely invested in their lives as Dad. His appointment as Commissioner of Tanglewood Baseball in their elementary school years led to many unforgettable moments with his boys, whom he cherished dearly. In later years, he helped at the stable grounds during summers at Camp Stewart for Boys. Also, he supported Trinity Valley and Fort Worth Country Day athletics by flipping burgers for all the students. Larry had a volunteer spirit, not only for his sons' activities but also for the community. He had fond memories of volunteering at the Colonial Country Club PGA Tournament, Fort Worth Academy as a Board Trustee, and the Boys and Girls Club as a Board of Directors member. Most of all, Larry enjoyed his time spent working at Mayfest with his wife, Bunny. Larry's dedication to serving others led to his involvement with TCU, where he mentored countless young men in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. "Shack" loved his SAE brothers at TCU, and, through his example, passed along the ideals of the True Gentleman to shape the lives of those who followed. His positive impact on the fraternity extended beyond TCU to the national level, where he served on the SAE Supreme Council and National Foundation Board. During their 150th Anniversary Celebration, Larry received the Distinguished Service Award, one of SAE's highest national honors. When not volunteering, Larry was a craftsman at heart. His creative mind and skilled hands turned every project into a work of art. His workshop, first in his garage and then in his barn, was a place of inspiration. He had a tool for every task and generously shared his equipment with anyone in need. Later in life, Larry found great joy at his family farm in Glen Rose, where he earned another nickname, "Cowboy." It was his happy place, a sanctuary where he poured his love into caring for his animals and connecting with the local community. The staff at Brookshire's fondly knew Larry for his habit of buying large amounts of carrots to spoil his goats and donkeys. Above all, Larry cared deeply for his friends and cherished his family. He built a life with his TCU sweetheart, Bunny, and he had a special bond with each of his sons and grandchildren, earning the affectionate title of "Poppie." His love was constant, his wisdom unmatched, and his presence irreplaceable. Larry's legacy of love, service, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Odell "Shack" Shackelford, mother, Evelyn (Moore) Shackelford, and brother, Wally Shackelford. Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Barbara "Bunny" (Wilson) Shackelford, and their sons, Ryan Shackelford and his wife, Amy, and Reid Shackelford and his wife, Emily. He has four grandchildren: Ryan and Amy's children, Grayson and Dalton, and Reid and Emily's children, Aidan and Lainey. He is also survived by his devoted companion, Cali, the farm cat. Should you wish to honor Larry's memory with a memorial donation, please consider the Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Foundation , the TCU Ranch Management Program , or a charity of your choosing.